Shuler to join Duke Energy as lobbyist

Retiring Congressman Heath Shuler has been named senior vice president of federal affairs for Duke Energy, effective Jan. 4.

Shuler has represented North Carolina in Congress since 2007. His current term expires Jan. 3, and Shuler previously had announced his intent to retire from Congress.

Shuler's focus in 2013 will be on building Duke’s federal affairs team and working with leaders in energy associations on federal utility matters, the company said. In accordance with U.S. House of Representatives ethics rules, Shuler will not vote on any matters affecting Duke Energy for the remainder of the 112th Congress.

Before being elected to Congress in 2007, Shuler founded a real estate company in eastern Tennessee and played quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, New Orleans Saints and Washington Redskins.